Four is a wild and woolly age for children. They learn to stand on one foot, sing songs, draw some shapes, and figure out how to get along with other kids. On the flip side, some are still potty training, many wet the bed at night, nightmares are normal, and they worry a lot about monsters.

With so much change, it can be hard to know what’s normal. Milestones can help. They tell you the kinds of skills children typically learn at a given age, which gives you a better sense of your child’s progress and lets you prepare for what’s coming next. As you look at all these new abilities, it also helps to know how to support your child’s development and steps you can take to keep your child safe.

Milestones at Age 4

These are the skills you can expect your kid to know at age 4 -- or soon after. Keep in mind that milestones are guidelines -- children reach them at their own pace. Some kids have these skills before age 4, some later. Still, if these milestones give you concerns that your little one might be falling behind, talk to your child’s doctor.

Use caution in the kitchen -- spills, splatters, and hot surfaces can all cause serious burns.

Watch your child at all times when in or around water -- and think about signing your kid up for swimming lessons.

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You’ll also find that your child can reach drawers, cabinets, and countertops that used to be considered safe. Make sure medicines, cleaning products, and even small household objects that can be swallowed -- like magnets and batteries -- can’t be seen or reached.

This is also the age to make sure your child knows what to do around strangers. Teach your child her full name, address, and phone number. Also, let your child know to ask only certain adults for help, like people with uniforms or name badges. And, tell your child:

No one can ask you to keep a secret from your parents.

No one can ask you to see or touch your private parts -- the parts that a bathing suit covers.

No one can ask you to look at, touch, or help with their private parts.